By Mochabako Kgadima
You know how everyone says, “Don’t worry, you’ll meet your soulmate in varsity”? Well, here’s a little reminder for all the non-believers stuck in the dating desert – sometimes, it’s true. Who knew those campus walls could do more than just echo your stress about assignments and deadlines?
If love is meant to find you, it will. Remember when high school teachers warned you not to bother with “high school boys” because you’d meet your match in varsity? Well, fast forward, and while some lucky students are living that “bashayel izandla bayathandana” fantasy. But for Tummy Mashakeni (22) and Mandisa Orla Ngobeni (22), known by their loyal TikTok followers as Tummy and Mandy, the universe had a sweeter plan.
Meet Tummy and Mandy, Campus sweethearts. Photo: Supplied
Their whirlwind romance kicked off in June 2023, and now, over a year later, they’re still going strong. How did it happen, you ask? Well, picture this: a chance meeting near D Block, the area most students associate with mental health support (read: where people go to cry during exam season). Little did they know a casual stroll there would turn into the “meet cute” of a lifetime.
Inspired by the relationship goals of Riss and Quan, Tummy and Mandy decided to chronicle their own relationship journey online. And let’s be honest – documenting your love life on social media? What could possibly go wrong?
Love in the spotlight. Photo: Supplied
Going public with their relationship had its downsides. But instead of letting the attention pull them apart, they grew even stronger. When asked what they love most about each other, Mandy didn’t hold back: “I like that my man is incredibly supportive, caring, kind and my backbone.” Meanwhile, Tummy was equally smitten, saying, “She’s selfless, generous, and just godly. I’ve never met anyone like her, and even in the next life, I’d still choose her.”
So, what’s next for Tummy and Mandy? They’re excited to continue building their lives together, while also hoping to inspire others to believe in the power of unconditional love.
So, if you’re in varsity and still searching for “the one,” don’t lose hope. Keep your eyes peeled, stay open-minded, and remember – you might just be a walk away from your own “Re kopane University of Limpopo” moment.
